ng by my
teeth to that blessed, shaky ladder, he will crack off a few views of the
circus. Don't you dare propose that, or I'll forget my promise to be
good, and begin to hide things again!"

"Oh! all right, I won't mention it, only it's a shame, that's what, when
any fellow in these days refuses to put himself out a little just to
oblige a friend, and interest posterity," grumbled Will.

They stayed up until quite late, singing songs of school and college
life, and having a happy time. Not one among the four dreamed of the
shadow that was even then hovering over Kamp Kill Kare.

There was no alarm that night, for which one and all felt grateful. This
thing of being aroused out of a sound sleep to have the covers whipped
off by a roaring gale may read all very nice, but the reality is quite a
different matter. And when wild animals invade the peaceful camp it
strikes one as very funny in print, but is apt to bring about a chilly
feeling when encountered in real life.

As usual, Frank was the first one up, and he soon had the camp astir with
his cheery calls. The nipping, frosty air proclaimed that now the Fall
had come in earnest, and that they would be glad after this to keep a
fire burning during each night, for warmth.

As they sat about the blaze after breakfast, laying out plans for the
day, the sound of a horse's neigh startled them.

"It's the sheriff, I reckon," said Jerry, as they jumped up.

And he had guessed correctly, for presently they saw a horseman appear,
and as he came up he waved his hand in greeting.

"Sorry, boys, but I've got some bad news for you," he said.

"Anybody dead, or sick?" asked Frank, turning a bit pale.

"Oh, no, nothing of that sort, I'm glad to say. This concerns you fellows
only?" was the quick reply of Mr. Dodd, the sheriff.

The four boys looked at one another with alarm.

"I bet I know what it is--the Head has concluded to start the school up
under half a roof, and wants us to come back right away!" said Will,
mournfully.

Mr. Dodd laughed aloud.

"Hit it the first slat out of the box, Will. And you've got to report
to-morrow morning, so you must go back to-day sure. I saw some of your
fathers, and they say the same, so there's no escape. Sorry to bring you
bad news; but looks like you've been doing your share of game-getting in
the short time you were here," nodding toward the bear that was hanging
up, and the deerskin, as well as the pelt of the invading wildcat